Signs You’re Working Out Too Much

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When we first plan to get into shape, the most difficult part is actually going to the gym and working out. After a few trips, we begin to see and feel the benefits that exercise can bring, and it’s a fully formed part of our routine. That’s where we want to be, but sometimes people can get into the habit of working out too much. Unfortunately, they seldom realise it. Here’s a few of the telltale signs you should be taking more breaks between gym visits.

No Spring in your Step

When you have a healthy, active lifestyle, you should be bouncing around town with a spring in step. You should feel energised, and ready to take on the world. But if you’re overdoing it, your body won’t quite play ball with this idea. If you feel lethargic, it might be that you pushed your body further than it should be pushed. It’s worse still if your body is actively sore for longer than usual. It’s an obvious sign your body is telling you it needs a break, so listen to it.

You’re Overdoing It

There’s always the temptation, when we start seeing results, to push ourselves to get bigger and bigger. You can become obsessed with how big you are and push to be even larger, even if it’s detrimental to your health. This is when people tend to start abusing performing enhancing drugs, even though people know that steroids cause side effects. It’s important that you have goals for your size and shape, and if you reach that then aim to maintain that level, not increase even further.

Your Mind Is Playing Tricks

Ask a friend, ‘am I getting too big’? and if they say yes, take a step back. When we become too focused on our body, we’re often not able to see how we look clearly. People can become too thin or too big and still not be satisfied with how they look. This may indicate a deeper psychological problem that may require professional help.

You’re Snapping

You can be as happy as larry when you’re working out in the gym, but when you’re home you find yourself getting angry at ridiculous things or snapping at your loved ones, it might that you’re too pumped up. This is a problem that won’t go away on its own, and if it’s not stopped you might end up losing the people that matter most to you.

The Solution

If any of the signs above seem to apply to you, then you probably already know what needs to happen. You need to lay off the gym. We don’t mean you should cancel your membership, but try going 2 - 3 times a week rather than 5 - 6 times a week. If you’re worried about how it’ll affect your fitness, don’t be: it takes much longer than a few days of rest to get out of shape. Ultimately, the gym should be a place to improve your confidence, image, and energy levels, and if it’s not doing those things then what is the benefit?